Fair on the Square gives charity a fighting chance

Huntsville’s Annual Fair on the Square is more than just a shopping opportunity; it also gives organizations a chance to raise money for a good cause. Sam Houston State University graduate Charly Baker does just that.


Baker sells bottle cap necklaces to raise money to visit Russian Orphanages through University Heights Baptist Church. Since she goes on these missions often, Baker wanted to come up with a better idea to get the money.


“I thought ‘What can I do instead of asking for money every time,’” Baker said. “I can do something. I’m, kinda crafty so I came up with necklace ideas. Last year I did tile necklaces so this year I found ideas on Pinterest, of course, so I decided to do bottle cap necklaces.”


The money Baker raises from the $10 bottle cap necklaces doesn’t only go toward her trip to Russia. 

“Anything extra goes towards bringing supplies for kids to play with bringing different things for them,” Baker said. “Sometimes we bring caps, sometimes beanies and other different items.”


March will be Bakers 12th trip to Russia.


“I have fallen in love with the kids, the ministry and the people there,” Baker said. “I just keep going back as long as God allows me to and he has every time through things like this and the hearts of people around the community. They all support our trip. It’s really neat to see.”


SHSU graduate, Callie Roberson is an example of the supportive people in the community. This is her second year back at Baker’s booth.


“[I come back] because it helps support her trips to Russia and I think that she is going over there and doing great things,” Roberson said.

The bottle cap necklaces have many different color bottle caps and pictures inside. Baker had SHSU, Huntsville Hornets and UT themed necklaces. She also had them where customers could pick a letter to put in the center and Baker would mail them.


This is Baker’s third year at Fair on the Square. Last year she walked away with $900. To help the mission or to find more information about going on a mission visit www.unbc.net.


“There are all of these people in Russia that need the love, and that’s why we go because we love them,” Baker said.